Mookie Betts Seeks Solutions Amid Career Struggles
LOS ANGELES — As Mookie Betts battles through one of the most challenging offensive periods of his career, he made a pivotal choice: he returned home. Known for his relentless work ethic, the former Most Valuable Player often resorts to extra practice as a remedy for any perceived decline in performance. This year, he faced a substantial slump that stretches beyond the realm of minor adjustments.
A Change of Scene
Last October, Betts tirelessly honed his skills until his hands were raw, a testament to his dedication. This time, however, he opted to train in a facility near his home in Nashville, Tennessee, offering a refreshing change from the routine at Dodger Stadium. This decision allowed him to focus on improvement while enjoying quality family time away from a maddening start that had persisted for months. Entering the second half of the season, Betts had an OPS of .696—his lowest to date—and he knows that the Los Angeles Dodgers depend on him to regain his rhythm.
No All-Star Recognition This Time
For the first time since his rookie season in 2015, Betts reached the All-Star break without an invitation to the showcase, despite being healthy. His defensive skill has been commendable, particularly with his unprecedented transition to shortstop at age 32, yet he has struggled significantly at the plate. Though Betts and the organization have dismissed the idea of a connection between defensive issues and offensive performance, his recent comments suggest uncertainty.
Continuing Struggles in Recent Games
In a recent match against the Milwaukee Brewers, Betts went hitless in four opportunities. His first two at-bats showcased a lack of discipline at the plate, as he swung at pitches well out of the zone, ending with a weak grounder to short in the game’s conclusion. His ongoing struggles point to a deeper issue that doesn’t resolve overnight.
Breaking Through the Slump
“You get so lost in it,” Betts reflected. “Once you go down a rabbit hole — not a rabbit hole like I’m chasing something — but once you get down so far, up is so high that you just don’t even care about it anymore.” His frank acknowledgment of the challenges he faces offers a glimpse into the mind of an athlete who has reached an unprecedented low.
The Complexity of Fixing His Game
Rearranging Betts’ positions is not a straightforward solution to address his batting woes. While he earned fame as an elite right fielder, and even played second base previously, merely shifting him back won’t resolve his current difficulties. Furthermore, the 20 pounds he lost due to a severe stomach virus shortly before the start of the season have since been regained, yet his bat remains sluggish.
Unprecedented Challenges
“I’ve never done this,” Betts said, reflecting on his extended slump as he prepared for a round of batting practice. Consistent improvement in his batting mechanics has been elusive, with coach Robert Van Scoyoc noting that Betts has struggled to dial in the precise movements that define his swing. This season, his struggle relates to how he loads his hands into his approach, leading to a series of mechanical issues affecting his power and contact rates.
Evaluating His Performance
Statistically, Betts is striking out less frequently than ever; however, this improvement hasn’t translated into effective contact or increased power numbers. His batting average plummeted to .244 as he prepared to head back to Nashville. According to wRC+, Betts has performed below league-average levels, diminishing the expectations the Dodgers had for a high-caliber shortstop.
Focusing on Fundamentals
Even trained professionals recognize the intricacy of adjusting a player’s swing. Betts’ mechanics require a harmonious collaboration of muscle memory and fluid motion. There are ongoing efforts to restore his batting by utilizing drills designed to ensure proper alignment and timing. Van Scoyoc emphasized that when Betts is “right,” few can contend with his batting prowess.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers remain committed to Betts, maintaining his crucial spot in the lineup. Despite two extraordinary months of subpar performances, the team has managed to stay at the top of the National League standings, underscoring the vital need for Betts to find his form. Manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism, stating, “He hasn’t really gotten ahead by getting hot yet, but it’s coming.”
Betts Reflects on His Journey
As Betts continues to work tirelessly in practice, he remains hopeful, but cautious. “It’s very difficult,” he acknowledged. “But I’ll tell you one thing: I definitely love the process of it. I definitely love the process of trying to figure out who I am, where I’m at, the work. I haven’t found it, and it sucks. But I love the work. That’s the best part.”
(Top photo: Harry How / Getty Images)